Monday, August 31, 2020
Sunday, August 30, 2020
Interview Maggie Haselwanter
1. Okay, Miss Maggie, what was the specific incident that got you to this interview?
I saw Travelita’s post on Facebook.
2. What has earned you the right to be an authority on this topic?
Amongst other things, I traveled solo 17.500 kilometers through South America by public transport. I moved solo to Nicaragua. And right now I am traveling solo by a moped around the world.
3. What is your brand, your topic exactly about? 4. Why is it important? 5. Now that I know what it is, now that I know why it’s important and relevant, how are you implementing this on your travels? I mean like, is there a process, that you follow when traveling?
MAGGIE’S MILES – a slow riding journey
I am traveling solo with an 18.3 mph moped around the world. I started in Switzerland crossed 8 countries. Now I am quarantined in Turkey. Waiting to continue to New Zealand.
First of all, I am a slow rider. Meaning I don’t have to hurry from A to B. Time does not play a major role on my journey. Mainly I am focusing on deceleration, conscious experience, and self-connection. I ride with the flow, spend time at places I feel connected to. Of course, I do have some milestones I want to reach, though the arrival is not the final goal. The journey itself is. My personal aspect of traveling is to feel connected to people and the world. I am meeting so many amazing and inspiring people I would not meet by staying in my hometown. Spending even just a magical moment, for example, I met the cyclist on the top of an Albanian mountain pass with whom I had a deep talk about the meaning of life and traveling for an hour before we said goodbye. These encounters make me feel alive, energetic, and happy as short as they might be. Besides, I am and always was an adventurer curious to explore new cultures, food, and people.
6. What if people took advantage of your tips and steps you are providing? What will happen, how will their travels change?
Every life is subjective. In my wildest dreams, I cannot predict what is going to happen. I cannot even predict what is going to happen on my own travels. All I want is to share my stories and inspire others to trust in life and follow their heart.
What is the one thing that has made the greatest impact on your life as a result of your travels?
2011, I was studying a semester abroad in Nicaragua. In the first two weeks, I had a culture shock. It is still one of the poorest countries worldwide. Quickly I acclimatized, meeting friendly and inviting people, dancing salsa, and just enjoying life. I remember this one moment, I carried my dirty clothes to the laundry. 37 degrees, midday, the sun was burning a drop of sweat ran down my forehead. A dead beat taxi drove by, all 4 windows wide open Latino music full volume, the driver singing along at the top of his voice. I looked up a house entrance, a very old lady was sitting in the rocking chair amused by the singing taxi driver laughing at me and asking how my day was going. At this very moment I felt a happiness I never felt before. Not when I earned a lot of money or got a promotion at work or anything else related to materialism. Crazy enough I was carrying dirty laundry, overwhelmed by the sensation of absolute happiness, whining. My time in Nicaragua started a shift in beliefs which actually changed my whole life.
2013, I was traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Cancun by public transport, 17,500 kilometers in 9 months. It was one of my life dreams and the first long term travel I ever did. After 3 months I realized I am living with so little stuff out of my 24-kilogram bag. I imagined my crowded apartment in Austria and by only thinking about it I couldn’t breathe anymore. As long as we are not really living our soul plan we are stuffing our life with unnecessary material things to cover up the emptiness inside us. When I returned I gifted half of my stuff immediately. I just knew material things can never make me as happy as it makes me explore and connect with people and nature. By the way after giving away most of my household appliances the flat was still crowded.
7. Now we would like to get just some general information about you and your travels:
(if not answered before) – When did you start traveling solo? – Do you remember how you felt when you traveled alone for the first time?
In my early twenties, I made a lot of travel plans with friends which never were executed, like going to Greece or Spain. Too many people live a life of too many excuses. After taking some time to get bold I started traveling solo knowing if I am waiting for others to join me I probably won’t go at all. I started my solo travels with a two-week vacation to Greece figuring out this is doable I went on more short trips which led to a semester abroad in Nicaragua, Central America, several years later. After living the best time of my life I was inspired to fulfill my dream of traveling through South America with a backpack for 9 months. Missing the freedom I felt studying in Nicaragua I eventually moved there. Step by step I pushed the boundaries of my beliefs further. One day I realized borders are only in my mind. Then I started following my soul plan and living the opportunities life is offering me to the limit.
– How did you, or do you deal with fears?
Define FEAR first. In 99 % it is fear of the unknown. The more traveling becomes routine the less this kind of fear will define your life. Before I moved from Europe to Nicaragua (Central America) several people have been advising me against it with the worst prognosis. The fact was I knew what was awaiting me: I studied there for 9 months, visited another 3 times for several months. Ergo I knew how everyday life would be and I had enough know-how and money saved to survive 2 years without working. So what would be the worst-case scenario? I am coming back to Europe broke after 2 fantastic years. I thought I could handle that.
Do you want to know what happened after I moved to Nicaragua? 3 months later I was managing a student house. 6 months later I was hired by a real estate agency to rent houses and supervise a team of 4. I was working 20 hours a week living my dream of work-life balance earning more money I would have by staying in Austria. My critics didn’t want to hear that, of course. Most people’s lives are defined by fear of the unknown. This is the basis of their unhappiness. There is nothing more true than the saying: Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.
That doesn’t mean I don’t have moments of insecurity. Before I started my moped journey around the world I shit my pants. I felt sick and overwhelmed by thinking of what will be if my bike breaks down in the middle of nowhere and I cannot fix it. But I guess my curiosity and my adventure spirit always won so far.
– Magical stories that happened when traveling solo?
Murphy’s law – your biggest fears come true.
So one day my bike broke down in the middle of nowhere in the Apennines in Italy. The holiday season, nobody was on the street. I was alone on a mountain road starting to fix my moped. Suddenly a guy on his Vespa stopped and offered his help. Emanuele was also on a moped journey. We fixed my moped together. Then we went for a coffee and drove together for another 2 days spending amazing time together philosophizing over life and dreams. We couldn’t believe the coincidences that made our meeting even possible. Besides, we figured out the companies we are working for are actually business partners. What are the chances? The moment you start trusting in life you realize every moment, every incident is a gift. Actually, I am grateful the chain broke. That’s how I met Emanuele.
Another time my bike broke down in Albania. Immediately a mechanic came up to me who watched the accident. He took me to his shop and took care of my moped. Meanwhile, his family invited me to eat with them. They pursued me to stay for some time. In the end, I stood for 10 days living with an Albanian family, observing their family structures cooking local food together, and just enjoying being in a loving environment. I am still in contact with my now Albanian family members. These encounters are happening all the time all over the world.
Every time something unforeseen is happening I am getting curious about what life is gifting me next.
A life full of wonders.
– Is there a place where you have been and you would definitely not recommend it for women on their own and why?
I traveled Europe, South, Central and North America, Canada, Russia, and Turkey so far and I had no major problems. Mostly I felt very protected. As soon as they figured out I am a solo female traveler they took extra care of me. Taxi drivers brought me to bus drivers, bus drivers escorted me to Taxi drivers which took me to the Hostel. To stay safe I followed, of course, important rules.
Respect and follow cultural rules. Use your common sense.
As soon as you enter a new country you observe different cultural behavior. Make sure – even if you’re not used to it – follow them. You are a guest and you should respect the country’s culture.
Learn some basic words in their language. If you are planning to visit more countries in Latin America it makes sense to take a quick Spanish course. It makes such a difference when locals realize you are understanding a bit beside a lot of people who do not speak English.
In Latin America, I never went along with a tour guide on a 3-day hike and I did not go out in big cities like Lima or La Paz to party by myself. Once I went out with a group of locals and travelers in Peru. After some time they just left. So even in a group, I am not taken care of. Lesson learned.
If you drink alcohol only drink as much as you are able to keep a clear head.
Never leave your stuff out of sight. Thieves will take advantage of careless behavior. If somebody is robbing you. Just give them what they want. Do not defend material stuff. You can replace them. It would be even better if you don’t give them an opportunity to rob you at all. Means you follow common rules for example after 10 pm take a taxi home. Keep away from certain areas of the city and so on. On my current trip, I will explore East and South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand. After that, I will have more insight to share.
If you have huge doubts for example how your next travel destination treats women DO NOT go there. I experienced countries which are easier to travel and some are more difficult. Mostly it’s an issue of gender and lack of development of equal rights. In some countries, men are just overwhelmed by a woman who is traveling the world with a moped solo. Though the more support and positive reactions I get from women.
I grew up in Austria. Even though my family’s worldview is limited women are fighting for equal rights. Compared to other countries I am very privileged I grew up with opportunities to become an independent woman. While I was visiting so many different regions of the world I became aware not every woman has the same rights as I do. Since then I feel the duty to be an example for women to set a new standard. We need to pave the road for amazing women who are coming after us.
– Do you still have this excitement, when you go for a trip?
Hell yeah. Whenever a travel opportunity arises I pause for a moment to let the idea echo within me. If my gut feeling says this will be a great adventure and I feel excitement overtaking my body I am starting to plan the details.
– Traveling for the bigger good?
I never would have thought, my journey has such an impact on people. I grew up in a family and a social system which made me believe “Nothing is possible and you have to accept the fact and live with it”. It took me many years and a shit load of will power to overcome these limitations.
The main reason I was able to leave the system and family dogmas was education and financial independence which offered me the opportunity to travel. Experiencing other countries and cultures led to a completely different outlook on the world and life. Soon I realized the impact it had on my life and my happiness. So wherever I meet young people and especially young girls I tell them to learn foreign languages and to find a way to be independent. It gave me the power to make my own choices and to go my own way. No matter what everybody else said.
Recently I was invited to give a guest lecture about my journey and my education at the German School in Athens. The dialogue with the teenager was mind-blowing. It was like I had the opportunity to tell my younger self “It is possible just believe in yourself and stay persistent”. The support I never had as a teenager.
Besides, Emanuele the guy I met in Italy while my bike was broken down just told me he is taking English classes. He wants to travel more and wants to be able to communicate whenever he encounters interesting people. And a 50 something man I met on the ferry from Italy to Croatia told me he quit his job and sold his house to fulfill his life dream of taking some time off to travel the world.
I realized I am leaving marks and that fulfills me with joy and touches me on a deep level. I feel very blessed to be able to inspire people and uplift them just by being who I am.
8. Call to action – what do you want people to do?
If you have still doubts and need support to let me tell you. A new era of courageous women is already on the rise. Look for women who are already living a similar dream you have. Get in touch. Build a network. Help each other. You don’t have to do everything by yourself.
Life is too short to wait for later. Let’s not limit yourself neither in traveling nor in life.
Imagine yourself 86 years old. Do you want to tell your grandchildren of all the unused opportunities you had or do you wanna inspire them with stories of realized dreams?
Everything is possible – Follow your heart – Be the role model you are dreaming of.
I am sending all my love to every single one of you – stay wild!
IG | https://www.instagram.com/maggies.miles/
FB | https://www.facebook.com/MaggiesMiles.MM
YT | https://www.youtube.com/c/MaggiesMiles
WEBSITE | http://www.maggies-miles.com
MAIL | maggie@mofakult.ch
IG | maggies.miles
YT | Maggie’s Miles
FB | MaggiesMiles.MM
WEB | maggies-miles.com
MAIL | maggie@mofakult.ch
Free your travels, be a Travelita! #travelita #iamatravelita
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Traveling meanwhile Covid19
We did it. Yes, we went to travel in the Covid19 environment. And it was less strange than expected.
Please be aware that this is a report. We do not share our thoughts on right or wrong on how to deal with the Covid19, we just want to let you know what we experienced.
Let’s be clear: we did not plan on traveling this summer. We thought – let’s stay home, let’s do the stuff that we need to do to be free once this thing is gone. But then… we found that our home lakes are too crowded to pass the summer there and spontaneously went for a short trip.
The borders: we expected jams. We heard about jams, we heard about people waiting, we heard about tests. The reality: 20 min, going back and forth in total, no tests. Quite a smooth ride.
The facilities: the hotel was super clean, the staff cleaned and disinfected the tables and rooms various times a day. We did not stay in any hostels at this time, so we cannot tell about them. Tables, beds, everything was placed with lots of space due to the Covid rules and we felt super safe.
The food: that was strange indeed. Being at a breakfast buffet having someone putting the cheese on your plate and serving you 4 times more you would have grabbed is definitely strange. But it was ok, one gets used to it.
The shopping: well, we did not too much shopping, but the little we did – that was the only thing that felt a little uncomfortable, too many people to close, too bullying. So that did not change as it seems. But well…
Public places: a nightmare, if you want to stick to the rules. Completely crowded with people not paying attention to social distancing or anything.
So – as a summary, we can only tell that traveling meanwhile Covid19 was a bit strange but still fine. It is easier to stick to the rules than at home. So stay safe, if you want to travel, but stick to the rules.
Free your travels, be a Travelita. #travelita #iamatravelita
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New York – the city that never sleeps
And in fact, it does not. Only being there for the night because of a flight layover, you might not even realize it is night time. There are lights everywhere if you don’t look up into the sky, streets are illuminated like it ist the brightest day. And the places are full of people. The time square deserted at 3 am? Don’t even think so.
So actually, in New York, you do not have to sleep, like the city. Stay awake and have fun. All night long. We do not recommend any places to visit, we found the best is to just walk the streets and be impressed by what you experience.
There is the food supply and open bars 24/7, the only part that might be quite quiet is Wall Street, which only gets busy in the early morning.
Walking in the shoes of Carry Bradshaw (no, you do not need Manolo Blahniks), you must visit the 5th Avenue for your shopping, but be aware, it is not cheap. And if you combine this with getting one Cosmopolitan somewhere, Sex and the City is on your way.
Free your travels, be a Travelita! #travelita #iamatravelita
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Interview Jen Nilsson
1. Okay, Miss Jen, what was the specific incident that got you to this interview?
The specific instance was Feb. 14, 2018, Valentine’s Day or, as I think of it, diagnosis day. The day that my partner was diagnosed with cancer. He was 40 years old when he was diagnosed and 40 years old when he died not even four months later.
I. Changed. Everything.
I quit my job and took off for London with a one-way ticket, thinking it would be a four-month trip to rest and grieve. I stayed out there for 18 months of wandering through Europe and Asia, coming home only after I walked 500 miles across Spain on the Camino de Santiago where I found some form of peace on the trail.
2. What has earned you the right to be an authority on this topic?
I used to believe I needed a partner to travel. I dreamed of seeing the world, but I always pictured a man beside me, sipping rosé in a Parisian café or learning to surf in Bali.
When Jeff died, I realized that life is too short to wait to follow your dreams. He wanted to travel but made it to Europe just once. I know it was a great trip because I followed in his footsteps as part of my own travels, but he wanted to see so much more, and he just didn’t get the chance.
As he was dying, I promised him that I wouldn’t waste a single day that I am gifted. No more working jobs that suck the soul out of me; no more delaying my dream to see the world; no more postponing my goal to be a writer and an author. Life is too short.
Honestly, that promise was more to me than to him. Jeff was someone who always lived life to the fullest. It’s one of the many lessons that he taught me.
3. What is your brand, your topic exactly about?
My mission is to inspire people to follow their dreams, whatever those dreams may be, and to follow them now. I encourage would-be solo travelers to make that first trip and would-be entrepreneurs to take that first step.
I also remind single people that it’s OK to be single. This is developing into a major platform for me as I am finding this whole group in the world that feels stigmatized and ostracized at times. Like there is something wrong with them because they are single.
I believe it’s far more important to be in a healthy and happy relationship that takes longer to find than it is to be in an “OK” relationship that came about at the right time.
It’s important to seek more from life. To travel deeper, live sweeter, and seek more. Unapologetically.
My motto is: Solo, Sustainable, Seeking. My hashtag is: #WanderWithLove
4. Why is it important?
We so often postpone our dreams until “the time is right” when we do not know if time is on our side. My partner was a robust, 40-year-old, six-foot-three-inch source of laughter and love. Cancer took him in less than four months from his diagnosis. You just never know. The time is right to follow your dreams right now.
5. Now that I know what it is, now that I know why it’s important and relevant, how are you implementing this on your travels? I mean like, is there a process, that you follow when traveling?
When I travel, I now seek to push myself outside of my comfort zone. This started by following in Jeff’s footsteps, tracing his itinerary from his dream trip and what turned out to be his literal trip of a lifetime. I loved experiencing new things and seeing the world in a new way.
Jeff loved festivals, so I started going to festivals and concerts, sometimes solo. Jeff loved to swim, so I took scuba diving lessons (though this turned out to be an epic failure and I am now a scuba-school dropout).
The “old me” would never have considered a pilgrimage across Spain. I had never walked or hiked more than eight miles! But I strapped on a backpack and walked 500 miles on the Camino de Santiago.
I love pushing my own boundaries when I travel. I see so much more of the world and of myself this way.
My process? The key is to say “yes’ to at least one thing that would be a “no” in the “real world” back home. Some quick tips for traveling deeper:
- Try slow travel. Stay in one place longer rather than seeing as many cities as possible on a trip.
- Stay in a neighborhood rather than in the center of the action and check out the local pub. The bartender always knows the goings-on in the neighborhood.
- Check out a local event: a book reading, live music, poetry slam, etc. Find these events on community boards in coffee houses, bookshops, or the local pub.
- Learn to shop at the local market from a food tour. I find these on Airbnb Experiences.
- Shop for food at the local market and cook at least one meal this way.
- Look for offbeat stuff on Atlas Obscura.
- See the sunrise at least once (either by staying up too late or getting up very early…both count!)
That’s just a few but there are many ways to get beyond the tourist attraction and travel deeper.
6. What if people took advantage of your tips and steps you are providing? What will happen, how will their travels change?
Life-changing moments seem to exist outside of the comfort zone. That’s why our lives are so defined by our travel experiences. We went somewhere new, saw something new, and became someone new.
7. Now we would like to get just some general information about you and your travels:
– When did you start traveling?
July of 2018
– Do you remember how you felt when you traveled alone for the first time?
Terrified. I was heavy with grief and burdened with a bag that was far too large. But the fog started to clear on that first early morning walk through London. I seemed to get lighter with every step of my travels. (And now I’ve spent 35 days with nothing but a day bag on my back!)
– How did you, or do you deal with fears?
Most of the time, I just push through them. I say “yes,” close my eyes and plunge. It is important to acknowledge those times, though, when pushing beyond your comfort zone has reached a point of pure discomfort. I just couldn’t enjoy being underwater, so I dropped out of my scuba-diving certification. I’m glad I tried it. But I’m at peace with my decision to walk away from it because, for me, it was all fear and no fun.
– Is there a place where you have been and you would definitely not recommend it for women on their own and why?
Deba in Basque Country, an autonomous region of Spain. Beautiful town, but when I was there they had signed up that read: “remember tourist, you’re not in Spain anymore”. It felt threatening.
– Do you still have this excitement, when you go for a trip?
This can be summed up in one word: YES!
– what are your top 5 destinations and why?
Southeast Asia is AMAZING for solo travelers. People are surprised when I recommend Asia over Europe, but it’s so much easier to travel in Asia because the economy is set up to help tourists. And many places are extremely cheap for tourists. You can stay in a really nice hotel in Thailand for $20 USD.
My favorite destinations for solo travelers:
- Mae Hong Son Loop in Thailand
- Luang Prabang in Laos
- Bali in Indonesia
- Hanoi in Vietnam
- Frankly, everywhere in Vietnam
– The funniest story that happened to you when traveling?
I call it Stickgate, the day when two fellow pilgrims stole our walking sticks when my friend and I were walking the Camino del Norte. Let me just emphasize here that when you are walking 500 miles across Spain, everything that you carry with you becomes very important; walking sticks and hiking boots are just the most important items!
We set out on that morning on the Camino with a mission to find our sticks. Luckily, we were helped by the operator of our albergue (pilgrim hostel) who piled us into his little car and took off along the route, careening around corners at high speeds that sending me sprawling across the backseat.
When we passed by two pilgrims with our sticks, we could hardly believe that we had found the culprits. The moral of the story here is that a kind stranger took what could have been a horrible moment on the Camino de Santiago into a hilarious adventure that is one of our fondest memories from our pilgrimage. The video that I shot (while spilling all over the backseat of a speeding vehicle!) really tells the tale.
8. Call to action – what do you want people to do?
Follow your dreams. NOW. Life is too short to wait.
Thank you for the interview!
Wander with love,
Jen
Find Jen on social media: @lensofjen
Free your travels, be a Travelita! #travelita #iamatravelita
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Travelita Travel Wishlist
The coolest travel items we found so far and you need to know!
No, we are not coming up every week with one new item, because we only want to present to you the best, the hottest and most amazing things we found and thing – wow. This is it.
So this time, we come up with a travel bag. Not fancy you might say, but this is only as you have not been introduced to the Osprey Sojourn 80 Bag.
Why is it amazing? Because it is a 3 in 1 bag, you can use it as a Trolley, you can check it in as a regular suitcase, and it comes along with straps, to use it as a backpack.
To be honest: I was looking for this thing ever since I was starting to travel with my backpack, and even though I loved my backpack, I have to admit that more then once, it would have been nice if it would have had wheels, so it would not be on my back and make me carry all the weight at all the times. This concern with the Osprey Sojourn 80 is gone forever.
So if you are like me, and you would – at least once in a while like to take the weight off your shoulders,
THIS IS FOR YOU:
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St. Petersburg – crazy styles, freaking mixes and really unreal
In St. Petersburg, unless you come from Russia, things will feel like crazy to you. The first thing that is impressive: the metro. It is huge, traditional style, the illuminated escalators…
And as well as in East-Germany, you will find testimonials of the communist regime – extensive facilities, monuments, and impressive buildings. But nevertheless, St. Petersburg has a fascinating mix of styles in architecture, style, and shapes. The church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is the best example. All around it, the city seems to be historical, lots of tradition, the monuments, the buildings… then you come by this church and one feels like diving into a crazy fairy tale.
And this is not the only place. We recommend walking along the river, taking a break on its side in the shadow of a tree in the beautiful parc. Just discover it walking as much as you can. You will love it.
For food, if you want to go traditional, try Bortsch. Red beet soup is the most traditional Russian food, and even though we did not think so, it was quite delicious. And – although you are on the main streets in the center, you can find local food outlets with delicious Russian food. But – you will have to stand in line to get some. Plus, be aware that it is only open specific hours.
Outside of St. Petersburg, located in the Catherine Palace, you can visit the famous Amber Room. Be aware – you have to book the ticket in advance, or you won’t have a chance to enter. And even though bought in advance (online is fine) there will be a huuuuuuge line. So bring some time.
Free your travels, be a Travelita! #travelita #iamatravelita
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Interview Marinela Yule
1. Okay, Miss Marinella, what was the specific incident that got you to this interview?
Someone from your organization posted in a Facebook group I was apart of looking for travel adventure stories and I wanted to share my own!
2. What has earned you the right to be an authority on this topic?
Well, “earned the right” is strong phrasing, but: I have traveled to over 40 countries before the age of 30. I have been to 48 out of 50 states in the US and to 6 provinces and 1 territory of Canada. I speak 3 languages and have lived in multiple places that are not my home town such as Prague, Buenos Aires, and Montreal.
3. What is your brand, your topic exactly about?
My brand is a very loaded question! As a marketing professional, I help entrepreneurs with their marketing in outside the box ways- looking for new paths to explore. As a travel blogger, it is pretty much the same. I write content that gives an inside look or gives different perspectives to a location or travel idea.
4. Why is it important?
Being outside the box and being unique is important because the world is too similar nowadays. Many people want to fit in and follow trends. There is a famous quote that says something that if everyone is the same, it makes a boring world.
5. Now that I know what it is, now that I know why it’s important and relevant, how are you implementing this on your travels? I mean like, is there a process, that you follow when travelling?
I always try to do unexpected things. Such as bicycling across the United States through 3 months over 4k miles. I don’t have a particular process when traveling. I just go with my gut and see what opportunities lies in the potential next place (what friends to see, what things to see, etc.)
6. What if people took advantage of your tips and steps you are providing? What will happen, how will their travels change?
My biggest tip is to JUST GO. Basically, just weighs the pros and cons. Usually, the worse case for traveling is that you return home. What will happen is that you will travel. There will be scary moments for sure, but if we always stay in our safe zone, we would never do anything.
7. Now we would like to get just some general information about you and your travels:
(if not answered before) – When did you start traveling?
I was born into a traveling family. I believe my very first traveling trip was I was 3. My first time traveling alone was at 18.
– Do you remember how you felt when you traveled alone for the first time?
I felt scared yes, but super excited!
– How did you, or do you deal with fears?
I just know that what I will learn from traveling, from the people I will meet, is worth more than being scared. Those moments missed will be more regrettable than the feeling of fear.
– Is there a place where you have been and you would definitely not recommend it for women on their own and why?
As of now, I don’t have a place to NOT recommend to women traveling alone. I would say more Muslim countries such as Malaysia to be aware of cultural norms with clothing (wear sleeves and pants, etc). But, basically in any place, go with your gut and common sense. Don’t go down dark alleys, etc.
– Do you still have this excitement, when you go for a trip?
ALL THE TIME! Even if it just is a day trip or weekend adventure.
– what are your top 5 destinations and why?
Valparaiso, Chile: This small town on the coast of Chile has amazing street art!
Belgrade, Serbia: This capital is amazing! There are so many different things to do and see.
Montreal, Canada: The summer is amazing since there are so many festivals to partake in and outdoor seating for restaurants and bars.
Naples, Italy: The ruins like Pompeii and Paestum will transport you back in time.
Buenos Aires, Argentina: This capital is a mix between Paris and New York. You have the beauty of Europe, but the liveliness of the Americas.
– Funniest story that happened to you when traveling?
Hm….a funny story….Not one comes to mind, but an INTERESTING story is:
I once met a local in Macedonia. He was nice and showed me around. At the end, he basically implied that I was fat and out of shape. Which was wrong because I ran a lot and I watch what I eat. At the time, I didn’t find it funny, but quite rude. However, looking back on it, I find it funny in the sense of, just another travel story!
8. Call to action – what do you want people to do?
Travel! And connect with me on social media 
Let’s explore together!
I am the founder of myopenpassport.net travel blog. Currently, I speak English, Spanish, and French. In addition to traveling, I do pole dancing as well, an outside the box thing to do for sure! I am now a marketing consultant at marinellayule.com helping other entrepreneurs promote their brand voice. Connect with me via Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Free your travels, be a Travelita! #travelita #iamatravelita
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Your Guide to Making Friends on the Road
Guest article by Jen Nilsson
As you plan for your solo trip, you may feel a nagging worry. One that you try to suppress while you focus on the excitement of what’s to come, but a worry that needles at you none the less. That worry is loneliness.
It’s an understandable concern. When I packed my bags for my first solo adventure, I also packed a whole lot of worries with me. I was newly alone after my partner died of a swift and brutal cancer and, though I was looking forward to escaping my life for a while, I was also fretting about being lonely.
One of the most surprising lessons that I learned on the road was that solo travel does not necessarily mean traveling alone. You will meet many other like-minded travelers and welcoming locals.
Here are some of the ways that I learned to leave my concerns about loneliness behind while making friends on the road:
Embrace Communal Space
I don’t mean staying in a hostel, necessarily. Hostels were certainly a great option for me for a while, but as an introverted extrovert who enjoys alone time and does not enjoy bunk beds, I usually don’t do the hostel thing.
However, there are so many other ways to enjoy communal space!
- Consider renting a room with a local host using Airbnb. This provides you with your own space but allows for an opportunity to make a new friend of your local host.
- Another option that I love is TrustedHousesitters. Using this arrangement, no money is exchanged between house sitter and homeowner, and you will have your own space. However, you will be responsible for caring for the home and, often, the homeowner’s animals. I love this option because it is very budget friendly in that there is no cost for the accommodation, but you will also meet and spend time with the homeowner. I have made many new friends (both human and puppy!) this way.
- Using TrustedHousesitters also necessitates trips to another communal space: dog parks!
- If you do not want to walk a dog, look for restaurants with communal tables. While it can be a little intimidating to sit down alone at a communal table, you will get over this quickly as the people next to you will often include you in their conversation immediately.
Choose a Neighborhood to Love
When searching for accommodations, research neighborhood with a vibe that you love. I’m a writer, so I often search for neighborhoods with a writing or artist community. Then I really get to know the neighborhood using some of these methods:
- Spend your first night at the local pub and sit at the bar. Ask the bartender about places to visit in the neighborhood. Since this is a local pub, everyone seated at the bar will have an opinion and will likely chime in. I made many new friends this way while traveling solo.
- Pro tip: Don’t want to drink? Order a non-alcoholic ginger beer in a pint glass.
- Do your grocery shopping at the local farmers market.
- Look for a neighborhood website or a neighborhood blog that features upcoming events in the area.
- Find a local coffee shop and read the local paper there every morning of your trip. You will get to know the locals and the local news this way.
Entertain Spontaneity
You’ve heard of the old throw the dart at the map trick, right? Personally, I’m too Type-A to randomly pick my next travel destination from a tossed dart, but why not pick an event for one night randomly?
That same local coffee shop that you’ve been visiting will likely have a community board with upcoming events. Randomly select one that catches your eye and go to that local book reading, poetry slam or volunteer opportunity.
Checkout Groups and Local Meetups
You’ve probably already scanned your social media contacts for anybody who might live in the area, but what about posting a message to your favorite groups to see if anybody lives nearby?
- Girls Love Travel is a huge network for female travelers.
- Meetup.com features local events within specific categories like “outdoors & adventure” or “arts” or “sports”.
- Travelita’s Travel Community is also a great way for solo female travelers to connect.
Go on a Group Food Tour with a Local
Booking a group food tour is one of the things that I love to do immediately upon arriving in a new destination. Getting to know the way that people eat in any given destination is getting to know the culture of the place. Doing a group tour also allows you to meet new people, including the local guide.
Go on a Multi-Day Group Trip
I like to stay in a place for an extended period of time, really getting to know the neighborhood. But, when I’m not housesitting, I also book overnight group trips during my extended stay, so that I can explore the surrounding area with a group of people and a local guide. This makes for a good balance between group time and alone time, and provides an opportunity to meet other like-minded travelers.
Take a Class
Cooking, wine tasting, painting, coffee brewing, the list goes on and on. Look at Airbnb Experiences for group classes that will have you learning and laughing in no time.
Travel for a Specific Reason & Stay a Bit Longer
Into books or music or yoga? Travel for a festival or event but stay on longer after the event is over. You will meet new friends at the event who live in the area or who are traveling in the area.
I discovered this guaranteed way to make like-minded friends after attending the Bali Spirit Festival in Ubud. I only attended the festival for one day, but I stayed in Ubud for a month, meeting many fellow yogis like me.
Use an App
I don’t mean dating apps, necessarily, though both Bumble and Tinder have the ability to filter for a friend search.
Travello is an app for meeting other travelers, Tourlina is an app for female travelers seeking to meet other female travelers, and Travel Buddies is an app for meeting travelers with similar itineraries or even local guides.
Also, check out Reddit and your destination’s subreddit to discover events or attractions in the area that locals are talking about.
Travel with a Small Offering
I learned this tip while walking the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage across Spain. One of the women that I walked with brought stickers that read “no vino, no Camino”. She gave these stickers out to fellow pilgrims and, more often than not, those pilgrims asked us where we would be having a drink that evening. We met so many people just by giving away something small that represented who we were and what we liked to do.
I saw another traveler who brought a portable printer with him. He then immediately printed out the pictures that he took and handed his new friends the small, but precious gift of a photograph. Small gifts are excellent ways to meet people and to maintain an ongoing friendship.
Many times, people, especially travelers, are craving that kind of contact.
A fellow solo traveler – who is now a friend – taught me a very simple lesson when I met him on a rooftop in Kuala Lumpur. He said that meeting another traveler on the road is just like the moment when two children meet. There are no expectations. There is only an authentic curiosity about the soul of another.
About the Lens of Jen (lensofjen.org)
Jen Nilsson is a full-time travel blogger who changed everything about her life when her fiancé died of cancer at the age of 40.
After learning the hard way that life is too short to delay our dreams, Jen quit her corporate job, ditched high-heels for a backpack, and set out to see the world.
She now believes that life-changing moments exist outside the comfort zone. She has walked 500 miles across Spain on the Camino de Santiago, learned to surf in Bali, tried (and failed) to learn to scuba dive on a Thailand island, and finally, at the age of 37, learned to ride a bike while cycling through the vineyards of France.
The Lens of Jen is all about embracing a new “lens” on life when things don’t shake out quite the way you planned.
YouTube: youtube.com/thelensofjen
Instagram/Twitter/Medium – @lensofjen
Free your travels, be a Travelita! #travelita #iamatravelita
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Lisbon – Jesus statue, cable car, arts, wine, and the Tejo river
Almost at the sea, but still, only at the river Tejo, this is where Portugal’s capital is located. And it is an amazing city to spend some time with.
Besides delicious food and wine, it is full of arts, of artistic people and of tradition. One can discover beauty wherever one is looking at. Talk a walk along the Tejo river, look at the old-style houses, and find some spray arts on some of their backsides.
Continue the walk, and look onto the other side, find the huge Jesus statue watching over Lisbon. Or walk up the hill, take a ride in the old cable cars and enjoy the view over the city and the river.
At night, do not miss out on the small restaurants that serve you delicious wine and amazing seafood.
If you want to go on an excursion to the sea, it is only one 40 min train ride away, this is where you find beaches, water sports, and real holiday life.
Tip: on a sunny day, you might want to go to the Tejo river and just sit there and take a break, this is where you can meet a lot of locals, as this is what they like to do.
Free your travels, be a Travelita! #travelita #iamatravelita
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Interview Kimberly Fordham
1. Okay, Miss Kim, what was the specific incident that got you to this interview?
I saw and responded to a post in one of the female travel groups on Facebook. I can’t remember specifically which group it was in.
2. What has earned you the right to be an authority on this topic?
I have traveled solo to over 10 countries, moved abroad 3 times by myself, and am currently living abroad in Xiamen, China.
3. What is your brand, your topic exactly about?
My brand is Live Life Untamed and it is is about helping women confidently and successfully create the life they desire abroad. I am an Expat Transition Coach and I assist aspiring expats with preparing for their move abroad and with settling into their new country of residence.
4. Why is it important?
The work I do is important because making such a major life change is stressful and can be extremely overwhelming. That alone can cause some people to not ever go through with the change, even if it would greatly benefit or improve their life. I personally understand how hard it is to make a move abroad, especially alone and without support, and I wish I would have had someone there to help me along that journey.
5. Now that I know what it is, now that I know why it’s important and relevant, how are you implementing this on your travels? I mean like, is there a process, that you follow when traveling?
When I travel now, I’m more aware of feelings that come up and how I handle them because others may encounter similar feelings throughout their travels. By being aware of mine, I may be able to help them through sharing my experience. I also pay attention to more seeming
6. What if people took advantage of your tips and steps you are providing? What will happen, how will their travels change?
7. Now we would like to get just some general information about you and your travels:
(if not answered before) – When did you start traveling?
I started traveling in 2010. I went on a cruise with my family. My first international solo trip was in 2013 when I moved to Japan to study for a year.
– Do you remember how you felt when you traveled alone for the first time?
I was extremely scared and nervous about being in a foreign place alone and so far away from my friends and family.
– How did you, or do you deal with fears?
Instead of being fearful of being alone, I now view my solo trips as an opportunity to meet new friends.
– Is there a place where you have been and you would definitely not recommend it for women on their own and why?
No, most of the places I’ve visited thus far have been pretty safe for women. But as always, we should be cautious no matter where we are.
– Do you still have this excitement, when you go for a trip?
Yes. I still get nervous and excited when going on a solo trip, especially to a new destination, but the more I travel, the calmer I am around going somewhere unknown by myself.
– what are your top 5 destinations and why?
This was so hard…
My top 5 destinations:
1) Kyoto, Japan — a beautiful city with lots of historical sites and friendly people.
2) Seoul, Korea — Great food and lit party scene
3) Singapore — I love Gardens by the Bay and Changi is probably my top favorite airport.
4) Hong Kong — one of my favorite cityscapes in the world and there’s a ton of things to do
5) Medellin, Colombia — friendly people, great weather and l loved the view of the city from the cable cars
– The funniest story that happened to you when traveling?
8. Call to action – what do you want people to do?
Feel free to reach out to me on:
Facebook @livelifeuntamed00 or Instagram @live_life_untamed
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Saturday, August 29, 2020
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Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Interview Maggie Haselwanter
1. Okay, Miss Maggie, what was the specific incident that got you to this interview?
I saw Travelita’s post on Facebook.
2. What has earned you the right to be an authority on this topic?
Amongst other things, I traveled solo 17.500 kilometers through South America by public transport. I moved solo to Nicaragua. And right now I am traveling solo by a moped around the world.
3. What is your brand, your topic exactly about? 4. Why is it important? 5. Now that I know what it is, now that I know why it’s important and relevant, how are you implementing this on your travels? I mean like, is there a process, that you follow when traveling?
MAGGIE’S MILES – a slow riding journey
I am traveling solo with an 18.3 mph moped around the world. I started in Switzerland crossed 8 countries. Now I am quarantined in Turkey. Waiting to continue to New Zealand.
First of all, I am a slow rider. Meaning I don’t have to hurry from A to B. Time does not play a major role on my journey. Mainly I am focusing on deceleration, conscious experience, and self-connection. I ride with the flow, spend time at places I feel connected to. Of course, I do have some milestones I want to reach, though the arrival is not the final goal. The journey itself is. My personal aspect of traveling is to feel connected to people and the world. I am meeting so many amazing and inspiring people I would not meet by staying in my hometown. Spending even just a magical moment, for example, I met the cyclist on the top of an Albanian mountain pass with whom I had a deep talk about the meaning of life and traveling for an hour before we said goodbye. These encounters make me feel alive, energetic, and happy as short as they might be. Besides, I am and always was an adventurer curious to explore new cultures, food, and people.
6. What if people took advantage of your tips and steps you are providing? What will happen, how will their travels change?
Every life is subjective. In my wildest dreams, I cannot predict what is going to happen. I cannot even predict what is going to happen on my own travels. All I want is to share my stories and inspire others to trust in life and follow their heart.
What is the one thing that has made the greatest impact on your life as a result of your travels?
2011, I was studying a semester abroad in Nicaragua. In the first two weeks, I had a culture shock. It is still one of the poorest countries worldwide. Quickly I acclimatized, meeting friendly and inviting people, dancing salsa, and just enjoying life. I remember this one moment, I carried my dirty clothes to the laundry. 37 degrees, midday, the sun was burning a drop of sweat ran down my forehead. A dead beat taxi drove by, all 4 windows wide open Latino music full volume, the driver singing along at the top of his voice. I looked up a house entrance, a very old lady was sitting in the rocking chair amused by the singing taxi driver laughing at me and asking how my day was going. At this very moment I felt a happiness I never felt before. Not when I earned a lot of money or got a promotion at work or anything else related to materialism. Crazy enough I was carrying dirty laundry, overwhelmed by the sensation of absolute happiness, whining. My time in Nicaragua started a shift in beliefs which actually changed my whole life.
2013, I was traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Cancun by public transport, 17,500 kilometers in 9 months. It was one of my life dreams and the first long term travel I ever did. After 3 months I realized I am living with so little stuff out of my 24-kilogram bag. I imagined my crowded apartment in Austria and by only thinking about it I couldn’t breathe anymore. As long as we are not really living our soul plan we are stuffing our life with unnecessary material things to cover up the emptiness inside us. When I returned I gifted half of my stuff immediately. I just knew material things can never make me as happy as it makes me explore and connect with people and nature. By the way after giving away most of my household appliances the flat was still crowded.
7. Now we would like to get just some general information about you and your travels:
(if not answered before) – When did you start traveling solo? – Do you remember how you felt when you traveled alone for the first time?
In my early twenties, I made a lot of travel plans with friends which never were executed, like going to Greece or Spain. Too many people live a life of too many excuses. After taking some time to get bold I started traveling solo knowing if I am waiting for others to join me I probably won’t go at all. I started my solo travels with a two-week vacation to Greece figuring out this is doable I went on more short trips which led to a semester abroad in Nicaragua, Central America, several years later. After living the best time of my life I was inspired to fulfill my dream of traveling through South America with a backpack for 9 months. Missing the freedom I felt studying in Nicaragua I eventually moved there. Step by step I pushed the boundaries of my beliefs further. One day I realized borders are only in my mind. Then I started following my soul plan and living the opportunities life is offering me to the limit.
– How did you, or do you deal with fears?
Define FEAR first. In 99 % it is fear of the unknown. The more traveling becomes routine the less this kind of fear will define your life. Before I moved from Europe to Nicaragua (Central America) several people have been advising me against it with the worst prognosis. The fact was I knew what was awaiting me: I studied there for 9 months, visited another 3 times for several months. Ergo I knew how everyday life would be and I had enough know-how and money saved to survive 2 years without working. So what would be the worst-case scenario? I am coming back to Europe broke after 2 fantastic years. I thought I could handle that.
Do you want to know what happened after I moved to Nicaragua? 3 months later I was managing a student house. 6 months later I was hired by a real estate agency to rent houses and supervise a team of 4. I was working 20 hours a week living my dream of work-life balance earning more money I would have by staying in Austria. My critics didn’t want to hear that, of course. Most people’s lives are defined by fear of the unknown. This is the basis of their unhappiness. There is nothing more true than the saying: Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.
That doesn’t mean I don’t have moments of insecurity. Before I started my moped journey around the world I shit my pants. I felt sick and overwhelmed by thinking of what will be if my bike breaks down in the middle of nowhere and I cannot fix it. But I guess my curiosity and my adventure spirit always won so far.
– Magical stories that happened when traveling solo?
Murphy’s law – your biggest fears come true.
So one day my bike broke down in the middle of nowhere in the Apennines in Italy. The holiday season, nobody was on the street. I was alone on a mountain road starting to fix my moped. Suddenly a guy on his Vespa stopped and offered his help. Emanuele was also on a moped journey. We fixed my moped together. Then we went for a coffee and drove together for another 2 days spending amazing time together philosophizing over life and dreams. We couldn’t believe the coincidences that made our meeting even possible. Besides, we figured out the companies we are working for are actually business partners. What are the chances? The moment you start trusting in life you realize every moment, every incident is a gift. Actually, I am grateful the chain broke. That’s how I met Emanuele.
Another time my bike broke down in Albania. Immediately a mechanic came up to me who watched the accident. He took me to his shop and took care of my moped. Meanwhile, his family invited me to eat with them. They pursued me to stay for some time. In the end, I stood for 10 days living with an Albanian family, observing their family structures cooking local food together, and just enjoying being in a loving environment. I am still in contact with my now Albanian family members. These encounters are happening all the time all over the world.
Every time something unforeseen is happening I am getting curious about what life is gifting me next.
A life full of wonders.
– Is there a place where you have been and you would definitely not recommend it for women on their own and why?
I traveled Europe, South, Central and North America, Canada, Russia, and Turkey so far and I had no major problems. Mostly I felt very protected. As soon as they figured out I am a solo female traveler they took extra care of me. Taxi drivers brought me to bus drivers, bus drivers escorted me to Taxi drivers which took me to the Hostel. To stay safe I followed, of course, important rules.
Respect and follow cultural rules. Use your common sense.
As soon as you enter a new country you observe different cultural behavior. Make sure – even if you’re not used to it – follow them. You are a guest and you should respect the country’s culture.
Learn some basic words in their language. If you are planning to visit more countries in Latin America it makes sense to take a quick Spanish course. It makes such a difference when locals realize you are understanding a bit beside a lot of people who do not speak English.
In Latin America, I never went along with a tour guide on a 3-day hike and I did not go out in big cities like Lima or La Paz to party by myself. Once I went out with a group of locals and travelers in Peru. After some time they just left. So even in a group, I am not taken care of. Lesson learned.
If you drink alcohol only drink as much as you are able to keep a clear head.
Never leave your stuff out of sight. Thieves will take advantage of careless behavior. If somebody is robbing you. Just give them what they want. Do not defend material stuff. You can replace them. It would be even better if you don’t give them an opportunity to rob you at all. Means you follow common rules for example after 10 pm take a taxi home. Keep away from certain areas of the city and so on. On my current trip, I will explore East and South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand. After that, I will have more insight to share.
If you have huge doubts for example how your next travel destination treats women DO NOT go there. I experienced countries which are easier to travel and some are more difficult. Mostly it’s an issue of gender and lack of development of equal rights. In some countries, men are just overwhelmed by a woman who is traveling the world with a moped solo. Though the more support and positive reactions I get from women.
I grew up in Austria. Even though my family’s worldview is limited women are fighting for equal rights. Compared to other countries I am very privileged I grew up with opportunities to become an independent woman. While I was visiting so many different regions of the world I became aware not every woman has the same rights as I do. Since then I feel the duty to be an example for women to set a new standard. We need to pave the road for amazing women who are coming after us.
– Do you still have this excitement, when you go for a trip?
Hell yeah. Whenever a travel opportunity arises I pause for a moment to let the idea echo within me. If my gut feeling says this will be a great adventure and I feel excitement overtaking my body I am starting to plan the details.
– Traveling for the bigger good?
I never would have thought, my journey has such an impact on people. I grew up in a family and a social system which made me believe “Nothing is possible and you have to accept the fact and live with it”. It took me many years and a shit load of will power to overcome these limitations.
The main reason I was able to leave the system and family dogmas was education and financial independence which offered me the opportunity to travel. Experiencing other countries and cultures led to a completely different outlook on the world and life. Soon I realized the impact it had on my life and my happiness. So wherever I meet young people and especially young girls I tell them to learn foreign languages and to find a way to be independent. It gave me the power to make my own choices and to go my own way. No matter what everybody else said.
Recently I was invited to give a guest lecture about my journey and my education at the German School in Athens. The dialogue with the teenager was mind-blowing. It was like I had the opportunity to tell my younger self “It is possible just believe in yourself and stay persistent”. The support I never had as a teenager.
Besides, Emanuele the guy I met in Italy while my bike was broken down just told me he is taking English classes. He wants to travel more and wants to be able to communicate whenever he encounters interesting people. And a 50 something man I met on the ferry from Italy to Croatia told me he quit his job and sold his house to fulfill his life dream of taking some time off to travel the world.
I realized I am leaving marks and that fulfills me with joy and touches me on a deep level. I feel very blessed to be able to inspire people and uplift them just by being who I am.
8. Call to action – what do you want people to do?
If you have still doubts and need support to let me tell you. A new era of courageous women is already on the rise. Look for women who are already living a similar dream you have. Get in touch. Build a network. Help each other. You don’t have to do everything by yourself.
Life is too short to wait for later. Let’s not limit yourself neither in traveling nor in life.
Imagine yourself 86 years old. Do you want to tell your grandchildren of all the unused opportunities you had or do you wanna inspire them with stories of realized dreams?
Everything is possible – Follow your heart – Be the role model you are dreaming of.
I am sending all my love to every single one of you – stay wild!
IG | https://www.instagram.com/maggies.miles/
FB | https://www.facebook.com/MaggiesMiles.MM
YT | https://www.youtube.com/c/MaggiesMiles
WEBSITE | http://www.maggies-miles.com
MAIL | maggie@mofakult.ch
IG | maggies.miles
YT | Maggie’s Miles
FB | MaggiesMiles.MM
WEB | maggies-miles.com
MAIL | maggie@mofakult.ch
Free your travels, be a Travelita! #travelita #iamatravelita
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Monday, August 24, 2020
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Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Traveling meanwhile Covid19
We did it. Yes, we went to travel in the Covid19 environment. And it was less strange than expected.
Please be aware that this is a report. We do not share our thoughts on right or wrong on how to deal with the Covid19, we just want to let you know what we experienced.
Let’s be clear: we did not plan on traveling this summer. We thought – let’s stay home, let’s do the stuff that we need to do to be free once this thing is gone. But then… we found that our home lakes are too crowded to pass the summer there and spontaneously went for a short trip.
The borders: we expected jams. We heard about jams, we heard about people waiting, we heard about tests. The reality: 20 min, going back and forth in total, no tests. Quite a smooth ride.
The facilities: the hotel was super clean, the staff cleaned and disinfected the tables and rooms various times a day. We did not stay in any hostels at this time, so we cannot tell about them. Tables, beds, everything was placed with lots of space due to the Covid rules and we felt super safe.
The food: that was strange indeed. Being at a breakfast buffet having someone putting the cheese on your plate and serving you 4 times more you would have grabbed is definitely strange. But it was ok, one gets used to it.
The shopping: well, we did not too much shopping, but the little we did – that was the only thing that felt a little uncomfortable, too many people to close, too bullying. So that did not change as it seems. But well…
Public places: a nightmare, if you want to stick to the rules. Completely crowded with people not paying attention to social distancing or anything.
So – as a summary, we can only tell that traveling meanwhile Covid19 was a bit strange but still fine. It is easier to stick to the rules than at home. So stay safe, if you want to travel, but stick to the rules.
Free your travels, be a Travelita. #travelita #iamatravelita
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Monday, August 17, 2020
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New York – the city that never sleeps
And in fact, it does not. Only being there for the night because of a flight layover, you might not even realize it is night time. There are lights everywhere if you don’t look up into the sky, streets are illuminated like it ist the brightest day. And the places are full of people. The time square deserted at 3 am? Don’t even think so.
So actually, in New York, you do not have to sleep, like the city. Stay awake and have fun. All night long. We do not recommend any places to visit, we found the best is to just walk the streets and be impressed by what you experience.
There is the food supply and open bars 24/7, the only part that might be quite quiet is Wall Street, which only gets busy in the early morning.
Walking in the shoes of Carry Bradshaw (no, you do not need Manolo Blahniks), you must visit the 5th Avenue for your shopping, but be aware, it is not cheap. And if you combine this with getting one Cosmopolitan somewhere, Sex and the City is on your way.
Free your travels, be a Travelita! #travelita #iamatravelita
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Monday, August 10, 2020
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Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Interview Jen Nilsson
1. Okay, Miss Jen, what was the specific incident that got you to this interview?
The specific instance was Feb. 14, 2018, Valentine’s Day or, as I think of it, diagnosis day. The day that my partner was diagnosed with cancer. He was 40 years old when he was diagnosed and 40 years old when he died not even four months later.
I. Changed. Everything.
I quit my job and took off for London with a one-way ticket, thinking it would be a four-month trip to rest and grieve. I stayed out there for 18 months of wandering through Europe and Asia, coming home only after I walked 500 miles across Spain on the Camino de Santiago where I found some form of peace on the trail.
2. What has earned you the right to be an authority on this topic?
I used to believe I needed a partner to travel. I dreamed of seeing the world, but I always pictured a man beside me, sipping rosé in a Parisian café or learning to surf in Bali.
When Jeff died, I realized that life is too short to wait to follow your dreams. He wanted to travel but made it to Europe just once. I know it was a great trip because I followed in his footsteps as part of my own travels, but he wanted to see so much more, and he just didn’t get the chance.
As he was dying, I promised him that I wouldn’t waste a single day that I am gifted. No more working jobs that suck the soul out of me; no more delaying my dream to see the world; no more postponing my goal to be a writer and an author. Life is too short.
Honestly, that promise was more to me than to him. Jeff was someone who always lived life to the fullest. It’s one of the many lessons that he taught me.
3. What is your brand, your topic exactly about?
My mission is to inspire people to follow their dreams, whatever those dreams may be, and to follow them now. I encourage would-be solo travelers to make that first trip and would-be entrepreneurs to take that first step.
I also remind single people that it’s OK to be single. This is developing into a major platform for me as I am finding this whole group in the world that feels stigmatized and ostracized at times. Like there is something wrong with them because they are single.
I believe it’s far more important to be in a healthy and happy relationship that takes longer to find than it is to be in an “OK” relationship that came about at the right time.
It’s important to seek more from life. To travel deeper, live sweeter, and seek more. Unapologetically.
My motto is: Solo, Sustainable, Seeking. My hashtag is: #WanderWithLove
4. Why is it important?
We so often postpone our dreams until “the time is right” when we do not know if time is on our side. My partner was a robust, 40-year-old, six-foot-three-inch source of laughter and love. Cancer took him in less than four months from his diagnosis. You just never know. The time is right to follow your dreams right now.
5. Now that I know what it is, now that I know why it’s important and relevant, how are you implementing this on your travels? I mean like, is there a process, that you follow when traveling?
When I travel, I now seek to push myself outside of my comfort zone. This started by following in Jeff’s footsteps, tracing his itinerary from his dream trip and what turned out to be his literal trip of a lifetime. I loved experiencing new things and seeing the world in a new way.
Jeff loved festivals, so I started going to festivals and concerts, sometimes solo. Jeff loved to swim, so I took scuba diving lessons (though this turned out to be an epic failure and I am now a scuba-school dropout).
The “old me” would never have considered a pilgrimage across Spain. I had never walked or hiked more than eight miles! But I strapped on a backpack and walked 500 miles on the Camino de Santiago.
I love pushing my own boundaries when I travel. I see so much more of the world and of myself this way.
My process? The key is to say “yes’ to at least one thing that would be a “no” in the “real world” back home. Some quick tips for traveling deeper:
- Try slow travel. Stay in one place longer rather than seeing as many cities as possible on a trip.
- Stay in a neighborhood rather than in the center of the action and check out the local pub. The bartender always knows the goings-on in the neighborhood.
- Check out a local event: a book reading, live music, poetry slam, etc. Find these events on community boards in coffee houses, bookshops, or the local pub.
- Learn to shop at the local market from a food tour. I find these on Airbnb Experiences.
- Shop for food at the local market and cook at least one meal this way.
- Look for offbeat stuff on Atlas Obscura.
- See the sunrise at least once (either by staying up too late or getting up very early…both count!)
That’s just a few but there are many ways to get beyond the tourist attraction and travel deeper.
6. What if people took advantage of your tips and steps you are providing? What will happen, how will their travels change?
Life-changing moments seem to exist outside of the comfort zone. That’s why our lives are so defined by our travel experiences. We went somewhere new, saw something new, and became someone new.
7. Now we would like to get just some general information about you and your travels:
– When did you start traveling?
July of 2018
– Do you remember how you felt when you traveled alone for the first time?
Terrified. I was heavy with grief and burdened with a bag that was far too large. But the fog started to clear on that first early morning walk through London. I seemed to get lighter with every step of my travels. (And now I’ve spent 35 days with nothing but a day bag on my back!)
– How did you, or do you deal with fears?
Most of the time, I just push through them. I say “yes,” close my eyes and plunge. It is important to acknowledge those times, though, when pushing beyond your comfort zone has reached a point of pure discomfort. I just couldn’t enjoy being underwater, so I dropped out of my scuba-diving certification. I’m glad I tried it. But I’m at peace with my decision to walk away from it because, for me, it was all fear and no fun.
– Is there a place where you have been and you would definitely not recommend it for women on their own and why?
Deba in Basque Country, an autonomous region of Spain. Beautiful town, but when I was there they had signed up that read: “remember tourist, you’re not in Spain anymore”. It felt threatening.
– Do you still have this excitement, when you go for a trip?
This can be summed up in one word: YES!
– what are your top 5 destinations and why?
Southeast Asia is AMAZING for solo travelers. People are surprised when I recommend Asia over Europe, but it’s so much easier to travel in Asia because the economy is set up to help tourists. And many places are extremely cheap for tourists. You can stay in a really nice hotel in Thailand for $20 USD.
My favorite destinations for solo travelers:
- Mae Hong Son Loop in Thailand
- Luang Prabang in Laos
- Bali in Indonesia
- Hanoi in Vietnam
- Frankly, everywhere in Vietnam
– The funniest story that happened to you when traveling?
I call it Stickgate, the day when two fellow pilgrims stole our walking sticks when my friend and I were walking the Camino del Norte. Let me just emphasize here that when you are walking 500 miles across Spain, everything that you carry with you becomes very important; walking sticks and hiking boots are just the most important items!
We set out on that morning on the Camino with a mission to find our sticks. Luckily, we were helped by the operator of our albergue (pilgrim hostel) who piled us into his little car and took off along the route, careening around corners at high speeds that sending me sprawling across the backseat.
When we passed by two pilgrims with our sticks, we could hardly believe that we had found the culprits. The moral of the story here is that a kind stranger took what could have been a horrible moment on the Camino de Santiago into a hilarious adventure that is one of our fondest memories from our pilgrimage. The video that I shot (while spilling all over the backseat of a speeding vehicle!) really tells the tale.
8. Call to action – what do you want people to do?
Follow your dreams. NOW. Life is too short to wait.
Thank you for the interview!
Wander with love,
Jen
Find Jen on social media: @lensofjen
Free your travels, be a Travelita! #travelita #iamatravelita
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We are taking a break
Covid has hit the world hard, and we feel it is getting more and more difficult to pack a bag and travel. It’s not impossible, but rather t...
